Pandemonium was witnessed during the council meeting of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) on Tuesday over several issues. Alleging that there has been massive corruption in awarding contracts during Bali Yatra last year, Congress and BJP councillors demanded appropriate action.
The opposition councillors also opposed the lack of developmental works. Congress Councillor, Santosh Bhola said, “Cuttack always faces waterlogging issues and desilting work is carried out when the monsoon is around the corner.”
Another councillor alleged that the corporation awarded several short contracts to one particular agency during Bali Yatra. Though we had demanded an audit report, the CMC officials have not provided any information in this regard, he added.
The councillors also slammed the corporation for not being able to set up temporary drinking water kiosks during the summer season this year.
A BJP Councillor said that CMC officials are showing undue favours to a particular agency run by a woman whose husband is a government employee.
“The Mayor today asked BJD councillors to vote by raising hands to support the agency for maintenance work. Bali Yatra was held in November and Mayor and the CMC Commissioner had assured to provide an audit report, but nothing has been done,” a councillor alleged.
Mayor Subhash Singh said, “Opposition has a habit of bringing allegations. Council runs as per administrative norms and the opposition is unnecessarily creating ruckus. The concerned agency has come through tenders and if there is any deviation, action will be taken.”
Singh further said that already an audit is underway regarding the tender works during Bali Yatra. “The opposition has the right to protest but there should be a healthy debate," he said.